How Well Does Solar Heating Work?
A properly sized and installed system will raise pool temperatures up to 10
0
F during the season. You will only want to circulate
water through the solar collector when the sun is shining. When it's cloudy or rainy, solar won't work as well (and you probably
won't be swimming during those times), but your water will be back up to temperature after one or two warm days.
Do I Need A Special Pump?
If your pool pump is in good working condition, there shouldn't be any problem using your existing pump. A one HP pump will
handle installations up to 30 feet away from the pool equipment and one story up. If the collectors are cool to touch when the
water is running through them on a warm sunny day, you are getting enough flow.
Where Can I Put The Solar Collectors?
Anywhere you get at least 6 hours of full sun during the day. The longer the collectors are in full sun, the better they will work.
If you are mounting the solar on an angle (like a roof or rack), the collectors should face in a southerly direction. For roof or rack
mounting, you’ll need 1 SK-43 mounting kit (one SK43 will secure up to two S220 collectors). For high wind areas, we recommend
one SK-34 High Wind Kit for each collector. Call SmartPool at 1-888-560-7665 for ordering info.
What Tools Will I Need?
• Flat head screwdriver or 5/16" nut driver
For roof or rack mounting you will also need:
• Power drill
• 1/8" drill bit and a Phillips head bit
• Silicone sealant (GEII or equivalent)
What additional parts will I need to install the solar system on a roof?
• 1 SmartPool Mounting Kit SK-43 (will secure up to two S220 collectors). High wind SK-34 for each collector in high wind areas.
• You will need the correct amount of 1 1/2" Schedule 40 PVC pipe for the plumbing, going to and from your pool equipment.
• You will also need PVC primer, glue, and fittings (available where you buy PVC pipe).
What additional parts will I need to install the solar system on the ground or on a rack?
• For a ground mount installation you will require 2 hoses - one that will reach from the pool equipment to the collector and one that reaches
from the collector back to the pool.
• For a rack mount installation you'll need SmartPool’s mounting kit SK-43. For high wind areas you will need one SK-34 for each collector.
USE OF NON-FACTORY MOUNTING
HARDWARE WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY!
How much will the solar system weigh when filled with water?
Each solar box will weigh approximately 40 lbs. when filled with water. There is very little additional load on your roof
since the weight is dispersed over a large area.
IMPORTANT
READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE STARTING
ORIENTATION
Use a solar blanket to hold in heat at night or during cool weather.
2
Pool Sizes
Round
Oval
12’ - 18’
12’ x 24’
21’ - 24’
15’ x 30’ - 16’ x 25’
27’ - 28’
16’ x 32’ - 18’ x 34’
Number of
Solar Boxes
1
2
3
Area
Needed
3 ft x 21 ft
5 ft x 21 ft
7 ft x 21 ft
WARNING! POSITION THE RACK SO THAT IT DOES NOT
PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE POOL FOR CHILDREN.
